Announced with much hype, the Morrison Government's 'HomeBuilder' grant was revealed in early June, and provides a $25,000 grant for home builders who meet certain criteria.

Housing Minister Michael Sukkar told The Australian that more than 8,000 households have already registered interest in the scheme as of 8 June, with more than half coming from Victoria and Queensland.

Tradie service directory hipages has already observed a spike in requests for renovations and home extensions.

Job numbers posted in its 'Renovations' category on 8 June were 4.4 times higher compared to listings on the previous Thursday.

It was 6.5 times higher in the 'Home Extensions' category.

However, the scheme has come under fire for only being offered to a fairly niche subset of people, while not addressing other issues such as social housing or housing affordability.

Now some states opened up their own coffers for their own 'HomeBuilder' grants to a much wider variety of people.

Click below to see what's on offer in your state.

Tasmania home builder grant

On Thursday 4 June the Tasmanian Government announced it is expanding its first home builders 'construction blitz' scheme.

Now, the Government will commit $20,000 for any owner-occupier to build a house from 4 June until the end of the year, with the build to be completed within 18 months.

Previously, the plan was only open to first home buyers but now is open to all owner-occupiers.

The office of the Premier of Tasmania says the scheme will cost $20 million, with an estimated construction value of $400 million.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein outlined some criteria for those wishing to access the grant.

"You will need to sign a contract from today [4 June] until the end of December - you will need to be able to begin construction in three months," he said.

"Then you'll have two years to complete that construction."

Eligible owner-occupiers could access up to $45,000 if they use both the state and federal HomeBuilder grants.

More details and eligibility criteria for Tasmania's grant will be released on 9 June.

Western Australia 'Building Bonus' grant

On 8 June, the Western Australian Government announced a $125 million home building stimulus package. 

Part of this is a $117 million 'Building Bonus' scheme, with both owner-occupiers and investors building a new house eligible for a $20,000 grant.

Homebuyers who purchase a single-storey property already in construction - such as a new townhouse development - may also apply.

The scheme is not means-tested and there is no property value cap, unlike the federal HomeBuilder scheme.

Premier Mark McGowan said the scheme provides a 'pipeline' of work for local construction companies and tradies.

"As a result of our budget management over the last three years, we have the flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and help support our local economy," he said.

"WA's residential building industry makes a significant contribution to our economy and community, so it's important we help protect, support and create new jobs in this space."

Grants are available from 4 June up until the end of the year.

Eligible homebuyers could access up to $45,000 if they use both WA's Building Bonus and the federal HomeBuilder grants.

Queensland extended first home owner grant

On 16 June the Queensland Government reaffirmed its $15,000 first home owner's grant (FHOG).

The Government also introduced a new $5,000 additional FHOG for those building in regional areas.

The FHOG applies to any first home buyer purchasing a new home worth less than $750,000.

Those living in or moving to a regional area could get up to $20,000 if they build their first home. 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the grant forms part of a wider $6 billion stimulus package focused on jobs creation.

“It is already kick-starting Queensland by bringing forward greater and significant investment in infrastructure and my government is joining with Queenslanders to unite and to recover and finish the job of economic rescue together," she said.





Ready, Set, Buy!


Learn everything you need to know about buying property – from choosing the right property and home loan, to the purchasing process, tips to save money and more!

With bonus Q&A sheet and Crossword!

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy